Story Behind the Creation of Castle Garden
Introduction
The article "The Story Behind the Creation of Castle Garden" provides a historical account of how Castle Garden, originally a fort and later an entertainment venue, was transformed into New York City’s first official immigration processing station. The article explores the reasons behind this transformation, the key figures involved in the decision-making process, and the significance of Castle Garden in managing the growing influx of immigrants to the United States during the mid-19th century.
Interior View of Castle Garden. Harper's New Monthly Magazine, March 1871. GGA Image ID # 14b46c8b0e
The article responds to the question: Who was the first to propose Castle Garden for the benefit of foreign immigrants? Is the board of management a National or a State organization? How did it originate?
Early Conditions
The pathetic condition in which Immigrants were landed In New York, the cruelties inflicted upon them in many cases In over-crowded emigrant ships, the extortions and downright frauds practiced upon them when they were put ashore like so many cattle and left to shift for themselves in a strange city, without language to make their wants known, began to attract the attention of humane public officers and merchants of that city at an early day.
The outrages multiplied, and the importance of providing some remedy grew with the rapid increase of foreign immigration, from 22.633 for the United States in 1831 to 104,565 in 1842.
Creation of the Board of Commissioners of Emigration
The Legislature of New York State was appealed to. On May 5, 1847—in which year the rate of foreign immigration more than doubled upon that of 1842, the total number received rising to 234,968—it created the present Board of Commissioners of Emigration of the State of New York, which has been in successful operation ever since and has proved one of the most benevolent institutions of the land.
It consists of nine members, six of whom are appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate. At the same time, the other three are the Mayor of the city and the Presidents of the German Society and the Irish Emigration Society. All of these serve without compensation.
Provisions of Legislation
The law makes it their duty to provide suitable quarters for the reception of alien passengers arriving at New York; to care for the sick and helpless among them; to protect them from extortion, fraud, and impositions of any kind; to aid those who wish the transfer to the railways and other transportation routes to the interior of the country; to assist such as wish to remain in the city to obtain work, and, in general, to give them trustworthy information and advice, and guard their interests.
For this purpose, they were authorized to collect from vessel owners $2.50 for each passenger until 1871, when it was reduced to $1.50.
Creation of Castle Garden
In 1855, the city of New York leased Castle Garden to the Commissioners for an immigrant landing depot, which was opened in August of that year. It occupies the extreme southern point of the city at the junction of the North River, or Hudson, with the East River.
A more convenient, healthy, and every way desirable station could not have been selected. The immigrants are brought here directly from immigrant vessels, in tugs or barges, and received into rooms adequately heated, lighted, and ventilated.
Bathrooms, lunch counters with reasonable-priced provisions, suitable sleeping quarters, and other conveniences are all within the building and are conducted under strict supervision.
The names of those who have money, letters, or friends awaiting them are called out. Clerks stand ready to write letters for them in any European language.
There are railway offices where tickets are sold by thoroughly responsible clerks who can speak with them in their native tongues.
Responsible brokers exchange their foreign coin and currency at par market value. There is an employment bureau to find work for those who do not care to go any farther.
A physician is in attendance, and the sick are appropriately cared for in a temporary hospital until they are transported to the immigrant hospitals on Ward's Island.
Because about two-thirds of all the foreign immigrants to the United States land in New York, it is a noble institution that meets these strangers with such generous provisions for their wants.
Immigration Statistics 1847-1873
According to an article in "The American Cyclopedia," of the 5,083,392 immigrants arriving in New York between May 5, 1847, and January 1, 1873, for whom commutation money was paid by the vessel-owners, "all of whom received protection, advice, and information from the commissions,
- 1,465,579 were provided and cared for out of the immigrant fund for a greater or lesser period during the five years after their arrival;
- 398,643 received treatment and care in the institutions of the commissioners;
- 449.275 were temporarily supplied with board and lodging and money relief in the city of New York;
- 349,936 were provided with employment through the labor bureau at Castle Garden;
- 53,083 were forwarded from Castle Garden to their destination in the United States or returned to Europe at their request and
- 214.642 were relieved and provided for in various parts of the State of New York," all out of this immigrant fund.
In 1872, 3 bills were introduced into Congress to supersede this New York Emigration Commission by a National Bureau. Still, the movement excited great opposition, not only in New York but also in other quarters, and failed.
Jones, William P., “New York Immigration Commission,” in The Inter Ocean Curiosity Shop For The Year 1883, Seventh Edition, The Inter Ocean Publishing Company, Chicago, 1891 p. 56
The Story Behind the Creation of Castle Garden
A Foundation of American Immigration History
The "Story Behind the Creation of Castle Garden" offers a captivating exploration of how this historic New York landmark evolved from a fort and entertainment venue into the nation’s first official immigrant processing center. This article provides a detailed account of the transformation, the humanitarian efforts driving its creation, and the impact it had on millions of immigrants arriving in the mid-19th century. For teachers, students, genealogists, family historians, and immigration scholars, this page provides critical insights into the foundational systems that welcomed and supported America’s newcomers.
Why Explore This Page?
- For Educators and Students
- Perfect for lessons on early immigration policy and the social reforms that shaped U.S. history.
- Demonstrates how Castle Garden set the stage for future immigration centers, including Ellis Island.
- For Genealogists and Family Historians
- Offers context for the experiences of ancestors who arrived in New York during the 19th century.
- Highlights the services provided to immigrants, such as employment assistance and healthcare, which may resonate with personal family stories.
- For Immigration Scholars
- Chronicles the origins of the New York State Emigration Commission and its groundbreaking approach to immigrant welfare.
- Provides data on immigrant statistics, services, and challenges, offering a comprehensive view of 19th-century immigration dynamics.
Key Highlights of the Article
- Early Conditions for Immigrants:
Immigrants arriving in New York often faced overcrowded ships, exploitation, and disorientation in a new land. These challenges spurred calls for reform to protect and assist them. - Creation of the New York State Emigration Commission (1847):
This board was established to provide shelter, protect immigrants from fraud, offer transportation assistance, and find employment for new arrivals. - Transformation of Castle Garden (1855):
Castle Garden was repurposed as a well-equipped immigration depot offering:- Health and Comfort: Heated rooms, sleeping quarters, bathrooms, and affordable food.
- Support Services: Translation assistance, letter-writing, employment services, and medical care.
- Transportation and Finance: Honest railway ticket sales and currency exchange services.
- Impact on Immigration (1847–1873):
Over 5 million immigrants passed through Castle Garden during this period, with the Emigration Commission providing aid to:- 1.4 million individuals over a five-year period.
- Nearly 350,000 individuals through its labor bureau.
- Hundreds of thousands who required healthcare, temporary lodging, or transportation assistance.
Call to Action
Discover the origins of America's immigration system by exploring "The Story Behind the Creation of Castle Garden." This page reveals the humanitarian efforts and innovative policies that transformed the immigration experience, laying the groundwork for future systems like Ellis Island. Whether you're teaching history, tracing family roots, or studying immigration, this article offers invaluable context and inspiration. Unlock the legacy of Castle Garden today!
